Author's note: When I first posted the chapter to this story, I then later read it, and saw that how I accidently posted the 'Gothic Grape' chapter instead. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Amy impatiently tapped her foot, watching as Lina stood in front of one of the soda machines.
"Hhmmm..." said Lina, frowning slightly as she scanned the selection of sodas. None of them were brands she'd heard of, but the art on each can didn't look like generic knockoffs either
Must be some foreign imports or independent brands, she thought to herself. Ignoring the sillier names, she instead looked for a soda that's name gave a hint as to what its flavor was.
Her wandering finger paused above one that read 'Klownie Kola.' Nodding to herself, she pressed the button.
The machine rumbled, dull thuds sounding inside. The sounds traveled downward until a pink and yellow soda can *thunked* down into the receptacle.
Lina reached down and pulled the cold can of soda out, turning it in her hands to inspect its label. The light purple and black can featured a cartoonish clown girl juggling what looked like caramel apples and cotton candy on sticks, a a silly red smileon her lips.
Lina popped the can's tab, the hiss of released gas sounded before a strong smell of caramel, apples, cotton candy, and even bubble gum hit her nostrils. She lifted the can to her lips and took a tentative sip.
It was the freshest tasting soda she had ever had. Far from sickly sweet corn syrup and artificial flavors, the Klownie Kola tasted as though the essence of apples, caramel, bubble gum, and cotton cnady had been distilled and perfectly carbonated. Far from being watery, it felt rich and full on her tongue. She had barely swallowed it before she found herself taking a second, third, and fourth gulp in quick succession.
She only reluctantly pulled the half-empty can away from her mouth to grab some air, her tongue licking the remaining sweet nectar from her red-stained lips as she did so.
"MMMMmmmmmm" she let the sound out slowly, letting her satisfaction rumble outward. She held the drink out toward her friend, "You have got to try this Amy, hee hee! It's delicious!" Her voice was a little higher than her usual vocal range-almost like she was breathing helium. "It tastes...well, funny, hee hee. But in a good way."
Amy eyed the can of soda in her friend's hand, noting how Lina's expression and pose with the drink seemed to mimic the cartoon clown juggling on the can.